Please help an old, short, apple find a dress

[HurdyGurdy19]

I have no fashion/style sense at all. The last time I wore a dress was on my wedding day, over 40 years ago. I am 66 years old.

I have been eating more healthily and exercising daily for the last year. This time last year, I was pushing 17stone (108kg). This morning, I was 12stone 2lbs (77kg). This time last year, I was wearing size 24 clothes. Now, I can wear size 16 jeans, size 16 t shirts, but anything on top with buttons, I'm "safer" in a size 18, as otherwise the button line gapes.

I would dearly love to wear a dress when we go out for dinner for my husband's birthday at the end of this month. Currently, I only wear jeans and tshirt type tops. I still can't convince myself that I can/should wear anything that would reveal my shape.

I am only 5ft 2ins (1.57m), so everything I've even looked at in shops absolutely drowns me length-wise. My days of wearing high heeled shoes are well past me (and I have the deformed feet to show for it!), so wearing heels to lift the hem isn't an option. I can wear low heels - maybe 2inches?

Can anyone suggest a style of dress that I might cautiously try? I am an absolute apple shape - all boobs, belly and bum (hardly any of that weight has come off my boobs or belly🙁). I don't want to look like a sack that's been tied around the middle, nor do I want to look like Demis Roussos in a huge floating kaftan

I don't like animal print anything, and I'm not really taken with overly floral patterns

As I am still losing weight (want to lose at least another 2 stone), I don't want to buy anything too expensive in the shops, as I hopefully won't be wearing the item much longer. I am happy to buy from Vinted though

Am I a lost cause at the moment?

Edited to add - I only shop in Bon Marche at the moment, as that is the only women's clothes shop in our town, plus they do various leg lengths, so I can find jeans that are the correct length for my short legs (inside leg 27 in their jeans). Happy to venture further afield if there is anywhere that might be able to accommodate my shape.

Yes, speaking of sacks, I find this shape from Whistles actually works quite well for me- with black tights and heeled ankle boots. I haven’t got this one but I have a couple in the same shape.
www.whistles.com/product/triangle-relaxed-short-dress-39945.html

I've always thought of "petite" ranges as being for people with a small frame (not me), or very slim (also not me 😄) (yet 😉)
Not at all, the petite ranges are designed for women who are 5'3" or shorter.
The dress size might range from size 6 - 22.

I'm not an apple but I find a loose dress easier to wear. I have some needlecord cocoon Two Danes dresses from Plumo but they're previous seasons'. I find them very wearable.
Remus's dress is the sort of shape I mean. They're dresses I can just pull-on over my opaque tights and chelsea boots and I'm done.

Another look I go for is something like this: PixieGirl Petite Women's Camel Brown Suedette Mini Dress | PixieGirl

66 isn't old! If you want something more 'age-appropriate' try Seasalt or Phase Eight. Both are good. Sahara is another brand I like - try an independent boutique. If you want a dress that's not too expensive but dressy, try the high street.
Dresses | Women's Dresses | New Look
Crepe Pleated Button Front Shirt Dress by JAEGER at M&S
Jersey Lace Mini Skater Dress by M&S

A session with a John Lewis stylist could be useful and you aren't obliged to buy anything.

Apple here.

Wrap or v-neck style.

Long sleeves with volume or short cap sleeves. Nothing that stops around the elbow.

Plenty of material in the skirt to create movement and balance. Think A-Line.

Patterns are better at confusing the eye and disguising the tummy area, but keep to smaller prints. Or if you prefer block colour, dark colours.

Skirt length - below knee.

I love a Whistles sack dress too!
I used to have this style in all the colours for work, it had a name but I can’t remember it - the black and navy ones still come out sometimes with dark tights and kitten heel boots

If you do decide to try the Whistles sack dress shape, the sleeves are very long if you go for a long sleeved version. I’ve shortened mine and made an elasticated cuff for them. The short sleeved ones are fine.

The B&W Whistles dress is a good shout.

Not on this thread necessarily, but I think LOTS of advice for petite apples is off the mark. Lots of ideas to 'disguise' tends to emphasise, I find. Anything that hangs straight down for the breasts in a straight column to 'hide' the stomach is my least favourite.

The Whistles dress works because it has relaxed volume somewhere other than the torso. It gives the impression of a little structure with the tulip-cut skirt and those great sleeves.

That M&S pin tuck works in the same way - some soft, slightly structured volume.

I'm a firm believer in apple shapes looking fabulous with SOME waistline emphasis - but creating it by having volume elsewhere, rather than by a belt/similar.

Hope you find the right thing OP!

I would definitely have a look at Live Unlimited - their clothes are designed to actually fit larger bodies. They're the only clothes I've found which fit across my boobs comfortably without having to size up!

Oh my goodness, you women are absolutely bloody amazing 😍

Thank you all SO so much for all the encouragement, advice, and especially going and searching for potential dresses, and posting links. I didn't answer the question about budget - sorry. Probably up to about £100 for something I really feel comfortable in, so not a huge amount.

I am so very grateful.

I don't know where we will be having dinner. We will be spending the week in Snettisham Norfolk, so will need to see what is around there.

It won't be anything too posh - a nice country pub-restaurant, most likely.

I love it when the OP seems really nice. Country pub-restaurant in Norfolk sounds perfect.
I can picture an autumnal midi shirt-dress with knee length boots. And handsome partner, a terrier and a roaring fire, and delicious food

Have you got some nice boots of some sort? Could you maybe post a pic so people might be able to offer opinions on what might work with them?

Seasalt do a lot of nice petite dresses. I would try them on as they vary a lot in sizes. The Lottie shirt dresses are very fitted on the waist but I tend to find the jersey material ones a bit more comfortable.

I’m exactly the same height as you and a stone heavier (but down 6 stone from a year ago🙂) and only 6 years younger
I find dresses very hard to wear. I tend to go for coordinates, so a matching shirt at top (with probably a light jacket this time of year)
I did wear a dress for the first time in 40 years (except for when I was pregnant!!) at my Ruby Wedding anniversary back in May!
I bought it from the JD Williams catalog, I like ordering mail order so I can try them on at home

If you're planning on trying on lots of styles, I'd be hitting the charity shops.

It might take a few visits but they are a great place to pick up different styles very cheaply and helps avoid spending on fast fashion.

A lot of my basics and more upmarket/designer pieces are from charity shops, some new with tags.

My best advice would be to look for stores that stand alone in 'nicer' areas as they tend to get better quality donations. Also look for stores who take donated stock from retailers.

Happy hunting!

@HurdyGurdy19 A wrap dress might be good as you can continue to use it as you lose weight. I buy ones like this for work and get compliments.
They are also not too long and easily returnable and available in lots of colours
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Essentials-Classic-Sleeve-Burgundy/dp/B09H2T32C7/ref=sr_1_6?crid=24Z6UVVFNSJ5P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M6pX0KbwojMp28IRupXeckHdIj83r_RZHegrSEfxrX_iec66ORAMHJfPV8ef808mKJmFETcaA-DD-j_ks48uUk-clWAtclwW8U3e_IKEGVpjznMJnU8Prveab6pLCRoQ_HvwFf0kyBza5ZJfh8YhWRI-a-56GL59leKf3dhho0_BbDFGFG9dFB036F0WZz3gaI41QOIRmVdXoWGGgcIQNgrURux3Zw6_s7FW0Xo5zLpfgjMx_PKvVaBoledYT_FqPiA83vwXSedKoDzPu4Gn9jZ46KayzL-Wj6FLPYB2nB4.i5xKAkkqwFogOBh8Pvxz8kOzVyIYrDhRNFFwXUsrHh4&dib_tag=se&keywords=wrap%2Bdresses%2Bfor%2Bwomen%2Buk&qid=1789656126&sprefix=wrap%2Bdress%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1

Clothes should fit you, not the other way around.

Such a great statement.

I'm not sure sorry OP. I'm a different shape and don't wear lots of dresses myself in any case, but hope you find something. Amazing health overall by the sounds of it, and loads of ladies are your size and shape, so there will be something lovely.

I rather like the third red one OP - but hurry if you do as there's only 18 left!

I think it has a nice autumnal vibe.

I’m an apple and just bought 2 bargain summer dresses in the White Stuff and Crew sales. My friend has just bought one from Boden.

Might be worth a look? I guess you’d also need a jacket now it’s cooler.

Good luck.

Have you looked at Unfolded on line?
At the moment their size 16 ‘s’ is perfect for me. The ‘s’ is for short - designed for anyone under 5’3”.
I’ve just received my 3rd dress from them, I have not had to send any back!

Great going on the weight loss front!

OK, trying to pull together all the advice above and filtering out all the ones that are going to be far too long for me (I'm aiming mid-calf, which from my shoulder is only about 37inches (96ish cm). Some of the dresses are over 50 inches long!) I have ordered from Next and can collect from store tomorrow afternoon. Four styles, each in 16 and 18.

I can't imagine me in any of them, but I like them, and time is running out, so keeping fingers crossed now.

I have ordered

Roman Blue Floral Split Sleeve Midi Dress

Roman Blue Leaf Print V-Neck Midi Dress

Yours Curve Blue Metallic Thread Knot Dress

Jolie Moi Burgundy Red Plain Sleeveless Midi Dress

Thank goodness for credit cards, is all I can say. I know the likelihood is that all but one (hopefully) will be returned and credited, but blimey - £500 worth of dresses!

If I've gone drastically wrong, please feel free to tell me - you've all been absolutely brilliant on this thread

I also like crew dresses - particularly the shirt dresses (I'm 5ft 2 and size 14/16)

Summer but with a jacket - Women's Short Sleeve Sienna Shirt Dress in Blue Wave from Crew Clothing

They sound lovely OP I wore a Roman dress I have had new for two years last week. I have only just managed to fit into it and was really impressed with the quality.

My almost favourite dress is a Roman. It didn't even look particularly special online but I bought it for an event and I still wear it and EVERY time I wear it someone says how nice it is.

I bought this today and it was surprisingly flattering, especially over my tummy and boobs. https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-lace-mini-skater-dress/p/clp61225747?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I think 50s A-line dresses are flattering, and suit a short stature. Something like this: https://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/products/lily-off-shoulder-red-tartan-swing-dress?variant=42288883859699&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping%2520Ads&utm_campaign=Wixpa&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20593474780&gbraid=0AAAAACfOew26W8JNP0cwT_6tUcoBiFPG1&gclid=CjwKCAjwn67VBhBnEiwAXUIN1a6ae-iEjImMNGGuHdK43upuEMlgfmNUid5pyUqSSJ0MrXyFxylLFBoCmRkQAvD_BwE

Personally I would pair this (and anything else really!) with tights and low-heel lace-up ankle boots.